Small Charcoal Chimney Starter, 1 mm Steel, 20 × 17.5 cm

Preparing a charcoal bed for a barbecue does not have to mean constantly fanning the fire or rearranging partly lit pieces by hand. This small chimney starter holds the fuel in a compact chamber, while the openings in its walls and the open-grid base encourage airflow. Paper, dry kindling, or another suitable dry fire starter is placed below the grate, with lump charcoal or briquettes loaded above it. Air can enter from underneath and through the side perforations, helping the heat travel progressively through the fuel.

A compact starter for charcoal barbecues

The body measures 20 cm high and 17.5 cm in diameter, making this the smaller option for occasions that do not call for a large starter. Its walls are made from 1 mm steel. The open top makes the chamber easy to fill, lets you monitor the charcoal, and provides a direct route for pouring the prepared coals into a barbecue. A metal grate inside keeps the charcoal above the initial flame, leaving the space below open for air and dry lighting material.

• 20 cm height: the compact format is suited to preparing a moderate charcoal load and takes up limited space with picnic or barbecue equipment.
• 17.5 cm diameter: this measurement helps you judge the chamber size and compare the small starter with larger alternatives.
• 1 mm steel body: the metal chamber receives the heat directly while the charcoal is being lit.
• Perforated sides and grid base: the openings provide several paths for air to reach the fuel instead of relying only on airflow from the open top.
• Handle with a wooden grip: it provides a defined holding point for carrying the starter and pouring the coals while observing the precautions required for hot metal.

How to light the charcoal

Place the starter upright on a stable, non-combustible surface. Fill the upper chamber with ordinary lump charcoal or briquettes. Put crumpled paper, dry kindling, or another suitable dry fire starter beneath the internal grate, then ignite it. Once the flame is established, the perforated construction allows the rising air to support combustion through the load. The stated preparation time is approximately 15–20 minutes, although the actual time will vary with the fuel type, quantity and moisture level, the weather, and the strength of the initial flame.

Judge readiness by the condition of the charcoal rather than time alone. The pieces should be visibly glowing and beginning to develop a pale ash coating before they are transferred to the barbecue. Pour steadily while holding the handle and keeping hands away from the body. The steel chamber, grate, fasteners, and surrounding parts become hot in use, so wear heat-resistant gloves, keep people and combustible objects at a safe distance, and never leave the fire unattended. The wooden grip does not remove the need for careful handling.

Cleaning and storage

Allow the starter and every remaining piece of fuel to cool completely. Use a dry, stiff-bristled brush to remove ash and loose residue from the grate, inner surfaces, and ventilation openings. Keep the starter dry during storage, as moisture on the steel can lead to corrosion. Clearing the perforations also ensures that ash does not obstruct the airflow the construction is intended to provide at the next barbecue.

This small charcoal starter is a practical choice for a garden barbecue, a weekend at the cottage, or a picnic where a controlled batch of coals is needed for a brazier-style grill. Before choosing it, compare its 20 × 17.5 cm dimensions with the amount of fuel you normally prepare. The compact model suits smaller charcoal batches, while a larger starter is the more appropriate choice when a substantially greater load is regularly required.